To confess

The reception of God’s forgiveness in the sacrament of reconciliation or confession can be one of the highlights of a pilgrimage.

Jesus surprised and even shocked his listeners when he forgave. At the very beginning of the Gospel of Mark, four stretcher bearers bring a paralytic to Jesus. They do not even express their request, because it is very clear: That this man can get up and walk! But Jesus answers to the side, “My child, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2: 1-12). There is apparently more severe internal paralysis than physical disability.

My ability to love can be paralysed: I cannot love like it should!

How do I answer the call to love? : You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself (Mark 12: 30-31).

I cannot pretend that I have always been up to the mark when it comes to loving in truth. To recognize Him humbly and to ask for forgiveness and healing becomes then a path of growth.

Priests at your disposal

At the the Sanctuary of Banneux, priests are available for this meeting with the mercy of the Lord. See the page Schedule of celebrations.